The Songwriters Hall of Fame - The Sri Lankans Are Coming! 

When John Lennon wrote ‘Imagine’ in 1971 it made a dent in the universe and touched the souls of generations before and after - the power of the songwriter has always been a force to reckon with - a pen in the hands of a lyrical genius can have profound effect not only on human relationships but also on the socio-political landscape of the world we live in. The Sri Lankan songwriters journey has now reached a new frontier and leading the way are two young, gifted and extremely talented creatives named Yathra and Charin.

Yathra and Charin shared some monumental news ‘We are thrilled to announce that we have been instated as members into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (New York) USA! ”

The Songwriters Hall Of Fame is the most prestigious musical body in the world that is dedicated to songwriting and composition.

Charin Mendis (left) and Yathra Jayawardene (right)

Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame honors those whose work represents a spectrum of the most beloved songs from the world’s popular music songbook. Songwriter Johnny Mercer and publishers Abe Olman and Howie Richmond who founded the organization wanted to shine the spotlight on the accomplishments of songwriters who have provided us with the words and music that form the soundtrack of our lives. Each year the Hall of Fame inducts a slate of songwriters voted on by the membership at an Awards Gala that has been recognised by the music industry and the media as the most important of the year. It is a rare accomplishment that these two young minds, Charin and Yathra can now nominate and vote for this prestigious accolade in order to award it to the iconic musicians of the world.

Out of the tens of thousands of successful songwriters of our era, there are fewer than 400 inductees who make up the impressive roster enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The list includes Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Jon Bon Jovi, Steven Tyler, Elton John, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Sting, Eric Clapton, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Freddie Mercury, Don McLean, Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, Chuck Berry, Billy Joel, John Denver, Joni Mitchell, Tim Rice, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, Diane Warren, Dolly Parton, Brian Wilson, Phil Collins, Van Morrison, Cyndi Lauper among others.

Charin with Grammy winner Bon Iver

Speaking to Daily Mirror Charin says ‘We are humbled by the honour to join and interact with some of the most talented musical geniuses of our time.  And we hope to share this achievement for the benefit of our country and push the local talent pool to a more international level.

Being no stranger to the music industry, Charin Mendis is also the grand-son of late Christy Perera - Founder of Uswatte Group of Companies and son to Chrishan Mendis - director at Hayleys Group. Blessed with this spirit of entrepreneurship running in the family, Charin is a multi-faceted musical connoisseur and creative prodigy. He is an award winning recording artist, record producer, songwriter and composer, and is also known for his exceptional work as a film composer & arranger. In recognition of his astounding body of work, he was instated to the highly prestigious & exclusive NARAS - The National Academy Of Recording Arts & Sciences (USA) back in 2011 - which is the organising body of the Annual Grammy Awards - Music’s Biggest Night.™ He was also the first Sri Lankan to be officially invited to the Annual Grammy Awards in 2012 till present, in which he has walked the red carpet twice in 2012 and 2014.

Charin at The Grammy's

Joining him at the Songwriters Hall of Fame is the beautiful Yathra Jayawardene. A talented fashion designer herself, Yathra is the only granddaughter of late Swanee Jayawardene - the renowned artist (43 Group) and pioneer of the Tie-dye and Batik industry in Sri Lanka who invented, patented and gifted the techniques of ‘Explosion Batiks’ to the world - Yathra has been penning lyrics since she was 5. Due to her family’s heavy influence from and into Art, Drama, Poetry and Music, she recollects how everything from The Beatles to Woodstock, Dylan to Hendrix, Miles Davis to Coltrane was always in her ear. Exposure to these great artists and lyrical geniuses instilled in her the knowledge and skills which morphed in to what would become her present day lyrical voice.  Opening doors to a new era for creative women in our island, she is the 1st and only Sri Lankan female songwriter to be inducted as a member into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (New York) USA. Her songwriting portfolio just like her fashion design portfolio is extensive, vibrant, exotic and diverse, Some of her compositions are currently been considered for placements in up coming albums by A list artists both in New York and Los Angeles and her song ‘Sovereign Sighs’ is being demoed at the moment.

Steven Tyler

Together Charin and Yathra curate and operate 5TRAWBERIFIELD5™ and SONGVRX™ which offer a wide array of services such as one-on-one & group Voice Masterclasses, Songwriting & Composition for albums / jingles / fashion shows / high-profile weddings / films / corporate profiles & launches etc.

For inquiries contact :

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